Guardianship - White - Compass

What is a guardian?

A legal guardian is an individual appointed by a probate court to act on behalf of someone who has been deemed unable to act on his/her own behalf.

COMPASS Guardian Services

COMPASS Family and Community services provides compassionate legal guardianship,
assuring the safety and well-being of the individuals we serve.

Assessment of needed services by a case manager

Petitioning the court for guardianship services

Case Management

Overseeing Living Arrangements

Arranging Support Services

Managing Finances and Assets

Making informed medical decisions concerning the ward

Who is eligible for a guardian?

Mahoning County adult residents, age 55 and over, who have been deemed by the Mahoning County Probate Court to be incompetent due to cognitive impairment and are incapable of making appropriate decisions for themselves are eligible. These individuals are considered by the court to be at-risk for neglect, abuse or exploitation.

Referrals for guardianship services are made by:

Social workers

Case managers

Attorneys

Health care providers

Nursing homes

Mental health care providers

Mahoning county adult

Protective services

Probate court

A caseworker from Compass Family & Community Services Guardianship program will perform an assessment to determine if guardianship services should be recommended.

Prospective wards rights

All prospective wards have basic rights that COMPASS recognizes and honors.

To be treated with personal dignity and respect

To live in a safe and comfortable environment

To live without abuse, neglect or exploitation

To receive an explanation of why you may be appointed a guardian

To question, contest or disagree with a guardianship application made for you by an agency or an individual

To attend court hearings involving you, have a court reporter present, and to be represented by an attorney

To have a friend or family member present at the hearing

To present alternatives to guardianship that may be less restrictive

To be assured that the guardian who may be appointed to you is bonded and will protect your money and property

To receive an explanation of your plan of care from your prospective guardiant

To have your best interests protected by the probate court and to appeal any decisions that are made

Facility Tour

Video Library

Guardians at Guardianship for Seniors

Last Resort

Meeting a Wards Needs